Rotatable Dome Screen Projection System for Immersive 360-Degree Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current projection-type image display apparatuses fail to effectively project images on dome screens with wide viewing angles and realistic sensations, particularly in providing immersive 360-degree visuals and accommodating multiple viewers with varied orientations and interactions.

Innovation Solution

The image display apparatus includes a dome screen with a spherical or semispherical shape, supported by a rotatable structure, and equipped with multiple projectors using laser or LED light sources for high color saturation, along with a display control apparatus for stitching and distortion correction, allowing for 360-degree projection and user interaction through a user interface that detects head and body movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dome screen with spherical or semispherical shape is used to provide wide viewing angle and realistic sensation, then the viewing angle and immersion are improved, but the device complexity and alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection system is divided into multiple independent projectors (typically 3-4 projectors) arranged around the dome screen. Each projector independently projects a portion of the total image, and the images are stitched together to form the complete 360-degree panorama. This segmentation reduces the complexity of aligning a single large projector while achieving the same wide viewing angle effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from traditional flat 2D projection to spherical/semispherical 3D projection on the dome screen. By utilizing the third dimension (vertical curvature), the system achieves 360-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles, creating immersive realistic sensation that cannot be achieved with flat screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple projectors are used to achieve 360-degree projection, then the coverage and immersion are improved, but the alignment precision and image stitching requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection coverageVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs image stitching technology that automatically detects and corrects misalignments between adjacent projector images. Sensors and control algorithms provide feedback to adjust the positioning and parameters of each projector, ensuring precise alignment and seamless image transitions across the entire 360-degree dome screen coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Software image processing acts as an intermediary between the multiple projectors and the final displayed image. The stitching algorithm processes and blends the images from different projectors, compensating for minor alignment errors and creating a unified seamless panorama across the entire dome surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If laser or LED light sources are used to achieve high color saturation and favorable color reproducibility, then the color quality is improved, but the energy consumption and heat management requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor saturationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes laser and LED light sources which operate at different wavelength parameters compared to traditional lamps, enabling precise color control and high color saturation. By adjusting the wavelength and intensity parameters of these light sources, the system achieves favorable color reproducibility while improving energy efficiency compared to conventional projection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This setup provides an immersive and realistic 360-degree viewing experience, allowing multiple viewers to interact and share a wide-angle video projection with enhanced color reproducibility and flexibility in screen orientation, improving user engagement and collaboration.

Implementation Method 1

a projector which uses a laser or a light emitting diode (LED) as a light source and which has high color saturation and favorable color reproducibility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a projector which uses a laser or a light emitting diode (LED) as a light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3392706B1Image display device
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3392706B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3392706B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3392706B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] To provide a projection-type image display apparatus which projects an image on a dome screen and a dome type screen apparatus for image projection. [Solution] An image display apparatus 100 includes a dome screen 101, a support body 102 configured to support the dome screen 101 so that the dome screen 101 is rotatable around a horizontal axis, two projectors 103 and 104 and a display control apparatus 105, and a chair 106 on which a viewer sits is provided inside space. By rotating the dome screen 101, it is possible to expand a viewing field in a vertical direction.